Navigating natural burial options in your local area with clarity, simplicity, and care.
Natural burial is becoming an increasingly meaningful choice for individuals and families who want a gentle, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional funerals. But when you're ready to explore this option, the first question is often: “How do I find natural burial grounds near me?”
This guide walks you through the process step by step — helping you understand where to look, how to compare sites, and what to consider when choosing the right natural burial ground for you or a loved one.
What Is a Natural Burial Ground?
A natural burial ground is a place where burials take place in a way that supports the environment. Coffins are biodegradable, embalming is not used, and the landscape is managed for nature — often as woodland, wildflower meadows, or conservation areas.
How to Find Natural Burial Grounds Near You
A dedicated natural burial directory like Natural-Burial-Grounds.co.uk is usually the easiest starting point. Natural Burial directories gather burial grounds from across the country and allow you to browse by region, county, or interactive map.
It helps people quickly filter by location, explore different sites, and understand what each one offers.
National directories can show:
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Burial grounds in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
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Woodland burial sites
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Conservation burial areas
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Smaller, independent sites
This is ideal if you’re just beginning your search and want a broad overview.
Search by Region or County
Many people begin their search by looking for a natural burial ground close to where they live — somewhere familiar, easy to visit, and connected to the landscape they know. Regional and county-level pages make this process simple by gathering all nearby burial grounds in one place.
On your website, these pages will include listings such as:
These location-based guides help people narrow down their options quickly. Each page offers an overview of local sites, a sense of the surrounding landscape, and clear links to more detailed burial ground profiles. This structure makes it easier for families to compare nearby choices and find a place that feels right to them.
Use Trusted Organisations and Associations
Several reputable organisations help the public explore natural burial options. Although your website will be a central resource, it’s helpful to also look at:
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The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG)
These bodies sometimes maintain lists of member sites or provide information about standards, policies, or management practices. They contribute to building trust and credibility, which aligns with your website’s authority-building goals
Check Local Authority Guidance
Some burial grounds (especially woodland or conservation sites) are run or overseen by local councils. Most councils list burial options on their website, including whether they offer:
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Natural burial plots within a cemetery
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Separate woodland burial areas
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Eco-friendly memorial options
Local authority guidance also helps you understand rules around burials, plot ownership, or site management. Using government-linked resources helps ensure your information remains accurate and up to date, as recommended in your writing and legal guidelines
Ask Local Funeral Directors
Funeral directors — particularly those specialising in eco-friendly or green funerals — often work with local natural burial grounds regularly. They can provide:
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Recommendations
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Practical details
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Availability
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Transport arrangements
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Guidance with paperwork
Many funeral directors are familiar with the growing interest in natural burials and can help navigate local choices.
Visit the Burial Grounds in Person
Once you have a shortlist, visiting the sites is one of the most meaningful ways to choose the right place.
During a visit, you can:
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Walk through the landscape
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Understand how peaceful, rural, or accessible it feels
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Speak to staff
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Ask about ecological practices
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See how memorials or markers are handled
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Get a sense of how the site is cared for throughout the year
Choosing a burial ground is often an emotional decision as well as a practical one; physically experiencing the place can offer reassurance and clarity.
Look for Sites with Conservation or Eco-Focused Management
Some natural burial grounds operate with an explicit conservation mission, meaning the burial ground supports habitat restoration, woodland creation, or long-term ecological stewardship.
Indicators of an environmentally conscious site include:
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Tree planting as part of the management plan
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Wildflower meadow restoration
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Low-impact pathways
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Minimal use of machinery
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Encouragement of biodegradable coffins or shrouds
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Partnerships with conservation organisations
These align with your site's ecological and sustainable values and help families choose ethically and environmentally thoughtful options.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Natural Burial Ground
Landscape & Setting
Do you prefer:
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Woodland?
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Meadow?
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Pasture?
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Coastal or hillside locations?
Each setting offers its own atmosphere and connection to nature.
Accessibility
Check whether the site is easy to reach for family and friends, both for the funeral and future visits.
Costs & Fees
Natural burial costs vary depending on:
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Plot type
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Location
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Maintenance fees
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Interment charges
Your site’s cost-related articles provide deeper guidance.
Rules & Regulations
Every burial ground has its own policies, such as:
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What coffins or shrouds are allowed
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Whether you can plant a memorial tree
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How graves are marked
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How long-term care is managed
Legal accuracy matters here, and your project guidelines remind us to always refer back to UK-specific legislation and council guidance .
Environmental Approach
Look for evidence of:
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Native tree planting
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Biodiversity enhancement
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Soil health awareness
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Habitat protection
These elements help families choose sites that support both memory and nature.
Step-by-Step Checklist: Finding Natural Burial Grounds Near Me
A simple checklist for families beginning their search:
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Search a national directory
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Check your regional or county page
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Explore associations (ANBG, NDC)
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Review local council burial information
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Ask funeral directors for local recommendations
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Make a shortlist
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Visit the sites in person
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Compare environmental stewardship and costs
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Ask about rules, coffins, shrouds, and memorials
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Choose the site that feels right for you
Find Natural Burial Grounds Near Me
Find a natural burial ground near you doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With a little guidance — and the support of clear, trusted resources — you can explore peaceful, environmentally thoughtful places that honour both memory and nature.
This Natural Burial Grounds Directory provides a starting point for anyone beginning this journey, helping families find meaningful local options across the UK.
Explore Natural Burial Grounds Across the UK
Search our Directory ➜ Natural Burial Grounds Near Me
Find peaceful, eco-friendly burial grounds near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individual
No — each has its own landscape, rules, and management style. Some are woodland-based, others meadow-style or conservation-led.
Local
Most private sites allow this, but it’s always best to check directly. Some prioritise local residents if council run.
Shrouds and Eco Coffins
Mangement


